Why I Write ~ OR ~ Comparing Evangelism To Farming!

Not sure if you are familiar with the Christian Evangelical organization named Jews For Jesus.  This is from their Statement of Faith:

We believe that Israel exists as a covenant people through whom God continues to accomplish His purposes - and that the Church is an elect people in accordance with the New Covenant, comprising both Jews and Gentiles who acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and Redeemer.  We believe that Jesus the Messiah will return personally in order to consummate the prophesied purposes concerning His kingdom.  (https://jewsforjesus.org/about/statement-of-faith/)

And, this will tell you more about them:

The plaque at Jews For Jesus Headquarters in San Francisco reads, "Jews For Jesus: EST. 32 A.D. Give or Take a Year."

Our name tells who we are, who we stand for, and what we do.  Everything is right up front!  While we might have chosen a less controversial name, Jews For Jesus is the one that most quickly, easily, and accurately lets people know who we are and what we are about.

Sometimes people ask us, "How long has 'Jews For Jesus' been around?"  We love that question because it gives us the chance to grin and say: "Since 32 A.D., give or take a year."  The joke reminds people that a minority of Jewish people have always believed and proclaimed the Gospel, and that we follow in that same tradition.

Actually, "Jews For Jesus" began as a slogan.  In the late 1960s a moving of the Holy Spirit brought thousands of cause-oriented young people to faith in Jesus, many of whom were Jewish.  As for our organization, Moishe Rosen officially founded Jews For Jesus in September of 1973. 

Rosen, a veteran missionary to the Jewish people, was the executive director of the mission for 23 years.  He revolutionized evangelistic methods and materials with his creative approach. (http://jewsforjesus.ca/history/)

On April 28, 2013 I wrote and posted:  Earlier this week, I received my Jews For Jesus newsletter in the mail.  In this issue, I read the article below, which is my reason for writing this post.  The article "Comparing Evangelism to Farming" speaks of sowing Gospel Seeds - and it tugged at my heart.   For almost 30 years I have been doing Christian writing; for the last twenty or so years, mostly apologetic endeavors.

From Christian Friends I have often heard, "Why do you continue to write on public venues when you get so many insults and rocks thrown at you?  Why bother?"  

And, from non-believing Friends I frequently read, "See, we told you that you are doing more harm to your so-called Christian faith, than good!  Can't you see how many people get mad at you - and how many you drive away from God?" 

My response to my Christian Friends is, "I continue because this is the ministry given to me by God.  He never told me it would be easy, nor did He ever promise it would it make me materially wealthy.  He gave me the gift of writing - and if I do not use this talent He has given me, if I hide it under a rock; when the Master returns He will not be happy with me." 

And, to my non-believing Friends, I say:

"Yes, I realize that I do excite the anger of those who do not believe in God, and even in those who believe He exists, but still choose to follow the world instead of Him.  Could this be because, within each of them, there is a seed of conviction hidden down deep, which is possibly beginning to awaken?  Do my writings stir those feelings, long buried?  Only time will tell.

However, as much as I would love to see every one of my non-believing Friends become Christian believers - I do not write for you.  I write for those who come to the forums and other venues to read, but, seldom, if ever, post a response or writing.  I write for those silent readers we may never know; but, God knows them." 

In other words, while I would love to see the non-believers come to faith in Christ; they are not my primary target audience.  I write for the new believers, that I might help them grow in their knowledge of God's Word.  I write for the seekers, that I might point them in the right direction toward eternal life in Christ.

I write for the more mature believer who wants to grow more mature in his/her knowledge of God's Word through interactive dialogues, or just reading.  And, I write so that I might learn more and grow more mature in my knowledge of God's Word through dialogues with other believers. 

I write for that person who may have a question about the Christian faith, about God, Jesus Christ, and how he/she may have salvation - but, does not know who to ask.  I write for that person who may have heard, read, or been taught a false or erroneous teaching - and needs to know what the Bible, God's Written Word, has to say about that issue. 

I write for those persons who will take my writing and, at that time, or maybe later - ponder what is written.  I pray they will then will do as the apostle Paul teaches in Acts 17:11; take that writing and stand it beside Scripture to test if it, and the person offering it, is true to Scripture.

Our measuring bar, our criteria, has to always be Scripture, and only Scripture.  We can look at what men have written, myself included; we can look at commentaries and great tomes of Biblical knowledge for suggestions.  But, the true answers must always come only from the Bible.

Comparing Evangelism to Farming
By: David Brickner, Executive Director
Tuesday, April 30, 2013, May 2013 Issue,
Jews For Jesus Newsletter (5773:9)
https://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/may-2013/comparing-evangelism-to-farming

Jerry was a successful businessman whose wealth had afforded him a comfortable life in the northern suburbs of Chicago.  He was also a prominent member of the Jewish community.  When he was in his 70s, Jerry retired and handed over his company to his son.

That's when we met and began getting together weekly to study the Bible.  Within a few months, I had the privilege of praying with Jerry to receive the Lord.  It turns out Jerry had actually believed that Jesus was our Messiah for most of his life - yet it took all those decades to receive Him as Savior.  How was this possible?

When Jerry was a child, his parents were unable to send him to the Jewish sleep away summer camp.  They instead allowed him to attend the Vacation Bible School at a nearby Lutheran church.  During that VBS, Jerry memorized John 3:16 - and he never forgot that Bible verse.  Throughout his life he believed the Scripture verse was true, but he hid that thought away and never acted on it.  Years later, that seed finally bore fruit and Jerry became a follower of Christ.

This true story illustrates an important principle of witnessing: never underestimate the effectiveness of sowing a Gospel seed - no matter how long it may take to produce fruit!  The Bible uses farming or gardening metaphors over and over to illustrate how the Gospel does its work.  We may not see with our physical eyes what is happening below the surface, but with eyes of faith we can be encouraged to continue sowing and watering - and leave the rest to God.  If you want to be encouraged, view your efforts to fulfill the Great Commission through this lens.

A farmer's labor may be evidenced by the harvest, but much skill and hard work is invested in all that leads up to it.  God entrusts the sowing and watering to us, but bringing the seed to fruition is always His part (1 Corinthians 3:7).  Can we practice the patience and diligence of a farmer and anticipate what God will do, no matter how long it takes?  That is not easy in our results-oriented, instant gratification-demanding culture.

Our Jews for Jesus founder Moishe Rosen put it this way: “A spiritual harvest of souls for God’s Kingdom requires the same painstaking care a farmer gives his field if it is to yield a harvest.  Yet many church and para-church programs fail, because in seeking a spiritual harvest they do not take into account the developmental nature of the gospel seed.  You cannot harvest what you have not sown.”

Bill Gray Note: To read the rest of this article, click on this URL link:   https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/newsletter-may-2013/comparing-evangelism-to-farming/  

You may also want to visit:  https://www.jewsforjesus.org to learn more about Jews For Jesus.

In the mid-1990s, I worked for a computer company in Southern California which did systems integration.  One Friday afternoon, I received a phone call from a customer in Houston who was having problems with the system we sold to his company.  Since it was about 4:00 PM, I told him that I could help for about an hour, but then I have to leave to attend Bible study. 

He was excited, asking if I was also a Christian believer.  I told him about a Christian newsletter I wrote, publish, and mailed once a month, The Good News.  He asked to be put on my mail list.  Two weeks later, I mailed the newsletters. 

Several weeks later, he and I were talking again and he told me, "Bill, I received your Christian newsletter - and it came just in time." 

Because others were in my office, I could not ask him to explain.  And, the next week, because business was slow, I was laid off and never had a chance to talk with him again.  So, to this day I have no idea what problem he had - nor what was written in my newsletter which met that need, or answered that question for him. 

But, that is okay, for God knew his need - and I believe God used me to help that man with his need.  Once I had mailed my newsletter, everything else was left in the hands of God.  We only sow the seeds, He does all the healing and harvesting. 

Years ago, I read a true story of a family which had migrated to America from a third-world country, seeking a better life.  Arriving in America, they ended up in a ghetto which was almost as bad as the one they left in their home country.  In despair, the mother laid out her plan to end her pain.  She went to the laundromat to make sure her family had clean clothes.  With that finished she planned to go home and take her own life. 

While washing her clothes, a woman came in, did not say a word, only gave her a Christian tract and walked away.  Out of curiosity, she began to read the tract which told her how much Jesus loves her, that He was willing to die for her, and that He wants her to live eternally with Him.

By the time she finished reading the tract, her spirit was lifted.  She went home and prepared dinner for her family, instead of taking her own life.  That silent lady sowed a seed with her tract.  And, God nurtured that seed and harvested this distressed mother into the family of God. 

How many seeds have you sown today?  One of them just may have saved someone's eternal soul?   Think about that. 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day, 

Bill

Easter Week Devotional ~ Seven Last Sayings Of Christ!

Last Thursday, April 13, it was my great privilege to be one of the seven speakers at our (International Bible Baptist Church-Riverside) "Before Easter Devotional and Prayer Meeting."  Seven adult men were asked to share our thoughts on the Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross.  

On the previous Sunday, Pastor Sergio had suggested this and we were to blind draw for the saying we would share.  When he made this announcement, my immediate thought was, "I would love to speak on John 19:30, 'It is finished!' - for I have shared that Scripture verse often over the years in my apologetic writings and discussions."

And, when Mark came to me to draw my Scripture verse, praise God I did draw John 19:30.  Let's take a look at His last seven sayings as He hung on the cross.  One of my favorite Gospel songs reminds us that, "When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind."   That should give all of us pause to consider what He did for each of us.

SEVEN LAST SAYINGS OF CHRIST

1.   Luke 23:34 ~ Forgiveness:  “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

2.   John 19:26-27 ~ Affection:   “Woman, behold thy son!”.... “Behold thy mother.”

3.   Luke 23:43 ~ Salvation:  “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

4.   Matthew 27:46 ~ Grief:  "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

5.   John 19:28 ~ Suffering:  "I thirst.”

6.   John 19:30 ~ Victory:  “It is finished.”

7.   Luke 23:46 ~ Contentment:  "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

John 19:30, "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!"  And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."

"IT IS FINISHED!"  ~  Only three words (only one word in early Greek, tetelestai) - but the most meaningful words ever spoken.

Imagine this scenario:  From birth, we are all condemned to death.  From birth, we all have been sitting in a Death Row cell in Sin Prison. 

And one day Jesus came to our Death Row cell door and told us, "You have been granted a Full Pardon!  You are now free to walk out of your Death Row cell and into a fresh, new life.  You are free to come out now?"

Should we get up, follow Him, and walk out of that Death Row cell?  Or should we just sit down, refuse to leave our Death Row cell, declaring, "No, that is too easy!  I must work for my pardon!"

That is what people in Legalistic churches tell us we must do:  Work for our Full Pardon - Work to earn our Salvation.  Yet, NO ONE has ever been able to work enough to earn his own Salvation.

Jesus Christ took all of our sin guilt upon Himself.  He took all the wrath of God upon Himself.  So that He could declare our sin debt "Paid in Full."  He purchased our redemption with His own suffering and blood.   His death offered Forgiveness to every person who has ever been born, or who will ever be born. 

All we have to do is receive His Full Pardon, His redemption - and walk out of our Death Row cell.

How many times I have shared John 19:30 with my Roman Catholic Friends - that this declaration by Jesus Christ means we are saved "by grace through faith, alone." 

But even though my Roman Catholic friends hear "It is finished!" - to them it means only a transfer from the Death Row cell in Sin Prison - into a Death Row Cell in Purgatory Prison.  There, after death in the mortal body, they must continue to suffer for an indeterminate time - in an attempt to earn a Pardon from their death sentence.  Yet, Jesus Christ has already purchased it for us, "Paid In Full" - through His death on the cross. 

I have had many Liberal, Legalistic, and Roman Catholic Friends tell me, "No one can know if he/she is really saved."   According to their beliefs - until you walk that last mile and have walked through death's door - you cannot know for sure if you have been pardoned or not.  In other words, in their teachings no one can know if they are truly saved.  They must die - before they can know if they have eternal life.  Isn't that rather late to be learning their eternal destiny?

In an interview some years ago with  a Roman Catholic Cardinal in New York, he said that even the Pope cannot know for sure that he has been forgiven - until he passes through the door of death into Purgatory.  Only at death - will he know if he is saved and has eternal life in Christ.

That is not what Jesus Christ meant when, hanging on the cross of Calvary, He declared, "IT IS FINISHED!"

He meant that ALL the requirements for Redemption - for all people - have been met (John 3:16).  All legal requirements, i.e., justification, have been satisfied - making a Full Pardon, Redemption, available to all people.  He declares that everyone who will believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior - IS righteous, through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.  Thus, God justifies us, declaring us legally covered by the righteousness of Christ.

That happens the moment we, as a new Believer - Accept and Receive our Full Pardon - and Become children of God.  We have been set free, we have a new life, we are a new person.  All we have to do is Believe ~ Receive  ~  Become!

John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:"

BELIEVE  ~  RECEIVE  ~  BECOME

BELIEVE in Jesus Christ.

RECEIVE His free gift of eternal life.

BECOME a Child of God.

To deny that "IT IS FINISHED!" is to deny the sufficiency of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to provide full redemption and salvation for mankind.  Theologies which teach that we must work for our salvation - are denying the sufficiency of his sacrifice to save us.  In other words, they are saying that Christ did His part, He made our redemption ALMOST complete.  But, now we must work to complete the work He could not finish.

Most Legalistic churches are Christian.   But, many are still so mired in the Law of the Old Testament - that they cannot believe the New Testament sufficiency of Jesus Christ to fully be our Savior.

Then there are the cult churches.  One example is the Unification Church under Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who taught his followers that he and his wife were sent by God, as the True Parents, to "finish the work of salvation which Jesus Christ began - but could not finish because He was crucified."

When Jesus Christ declared on the cross of Calvary, "IT IS FINISHED!" - that meant that He had "Paid in Full" our sin debt.  He had purchased our full pardon.   He had opened the doors of our Death Row cells.   We only need to take His nail-scarred hand and walk out into a new, regenerated life.   That is the message of Easter - that He died and rose again, resurrected, to assure that you and I will also be resurrected into a new immortal body, into eternal life in Christ.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Works Equal Salvation ~ OR ~ Salvation Equals Works?

Last night our church, International Bible Baptist Church - Riverside (CA), had a "Seven Last Sayings Of Jesus Christ" devotional service.  We had seven of our adult men each share our thoughts on one of those seven last words of Jesus Christ as He hung on the cross of Calvary.  My part was to discuss John 19:30, "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."  

I was happy to speak on His declaration of Victory:  "IT IS FINISHED!"    Why that particular saying?   Over the past 29 plus years of being a Christian believer with a God-given writing ministry - I have had many discussions with Friends from the Liberal and Legalistic side of the Christian community regarding salvation.  Should we believe "Works Equal Salvation" - or - should we believe that "Salvation Equals Works"?

I am convinced that works follow salvation.  In other words, works cannot earn us salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16) - but once we become Christian believers we should want to do works that will glorify and please our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16, James 2:17-18).

So, the question I raised in my "It Is Finished" devotional last night was:  Was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross sufficient to make full redemption available to all people?  Or was His sacrifice not sufficient - and we must "work" to finish the task of redemption He began and could not finish?  Was His death sufficient to give us eternal life - or not?

With those thoughts, let me share with you a discussion I had in April 2014 with a Friend on the Religion Forum of my hometown newspaper, the TimesDaily of Florence, Alabama:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The response below was originally written to answer a Forum Friend in the TimesDaily Religion Forum.  It was in the discussion I began titled "Salvation First - Works To Follow!"  I wrote most of this following response several days ago, but Friday was Grandparents' Day at the Christian school my grandchildren attend and I was away for most of the day.  When I returned to the Religion Forum, I found that my discussion had already been hijacked by the Far Left Gang.  So, with this response, I will begin a new discussion. 

In the "Salvation First - Works To Follow!" discussion, a Forum Friend posted Acts 1:11 and suggested that this Scripture verse supports a "works" salvation.  I reply that Acts 1:10-11 speaks more of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in glory:

Acts 1:10-11, "And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going (ascending back into heaven), behold, two men in white clothing (angels) stood beside them.  (11) They also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.'"

And, my Forum Friend tells me,  "Bill,  I think this is a prime example of two people reading the same Scripture, but rendering different results."

That is true.  And, that is why I enjoy Bible studies so much.  And, also why I attribute the larger portion of our Christian growth and maturity to participation in good interactive Bible studies.   In sermons we learn what the pastor believes about a particular Scripture passage or teaching.  And, most of the time that is accurate.   But, we are only listening and often our minds will wander.

In Bible studies where a Bible study leader stands at the pulpit and does all the talking (which to me is just another sermon), once again we learn what that Bible study leader believes about a particular Scripture passage.

However, when we participate in an interactive Bible study, one where we all sit together (forget the pulpit), read a Scripture verse or passage, and openly discuss it - that holds our attention and is where we experience growth and maturity in our knowledge of God's Word.

This is not lessening the importance of sermons.  What we hear in sermons, we later chew on in interactive Bible studies.  You may recall that, in the past, I have likened a church fellowship to a three-legged stool.   One leg represents sermons, another is Bible studies, and the third leg is our Sunday School classes.  If you have ever sat on a three-legged stool, you know that it is stable. 

However, if you remove one of those legs - the stool standing on only two legs is rather precarious.  Remove another leg, and a one-legged stool requires great dexterity to sit upon.  So it is with Christian fellowships which stand only upon Sunday sermons and exclude Bible studies or Sunday School classes - or both.

In a Bible study or Sunday School environment where people are encouraged to join in the discussions, to offer their understanding of a Scripture verse, and to be willing to openly hear and discuss the thoughts of others on that verse - through such discussions we all grow in our knowledge of God's Word. 

Does this mean that, in a study environment, everyone is right - or that all others are wrong?  No.  But, when we discuss that verse or passage in a study group, keeping in mind that the full and sole authority is the Bible itself - we may often find that the understanding we have of that verse might be changed when we are encouraged to stand it alongside other Scripture verses.  That is the power, and benefit, of Bible study and Sunday School group discussions. 

A good example might be one my Forum Friend raised before, suggesting that James 2:14 supports "works" salvation:

James 2:14, "What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works?  Can that faith save him?"

Many folks will read this Scripture verse and declare that it tells us that we are saved by our works.  Is that really what James is telling us?   No.  These are rhetorical questions - questions to make us think, to lead us into digging for a fuller understanding of that Scripture passage.

I believe James is leading us to ask the question:  "Can faith save the person who is not willing to work?" 

And, the answer has to be, "Yes.  But, it will be a faith that is built upon stunted growth, no maturity."

When we stand Ephesians 2:8-9 alongside James 2:14 - we see that, yes indeed, a person is saved exclusive of works, for that grace and that saving faith - is a gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

We are told in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

Should we be doing good "works"?  Yes, but those works are the result of our salvation - not the cause of our salvation.

In an earlier post, I wrote, "What I see in Acts 1:11 are angelic witnesses, promising that Christ will return again, His Second Coming in glory.  And, with that I agree completely.  If we did not have that blessed hope; there would truly be no Christian faith."

And, my Forum Friend responds, "When I read that verse I arrive at a completely different conclusion.  Remember we are in the Book of Acts.  I understand that there are different mind sets out there concerning the true purpose of this book, but let's just take it on face value:  'The Acts of the Apostles.' "

Here you are reading the word "Acts" as being acts of work.  Whereas, most folks view the book of Acts as a history of the "actions" of the growing church body, covering the time period between the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ - to some time before the execution of the apostle Paul.  I would suggest that the book of Acts covers history of the early church for about 30 plus years after the Crucifixion of Christ.

And, Acts, written by Luke, is considered to be a companion or continuation of the Gospel of Luke.  The book focuses on the actions (witnessing and teaching) of the apostles during that 30 plus year growth period of the Christian church - and leaves off with Paul still preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Most Christians see the book of Acts as still continuing today, spanning the entire Christian Church Era.  In other words, many feel that we are still living out the continuation of the book of Acts - which will culminate in the imminent Rapture of the church from earth.

But, the name does not imply, in any way, that salvation is dependent upon or gained through acts of "work."   That is proven in Ephesians 2:8-9.
 
He continues, "Now if we read Acts 1:1-10, we know that Jesus has been giving instructions to the Apostles and he has told them that they are to be his witnesses."

Yes, in Acts 1:1-8, we see Luke describing those 40 days from the time of His resurrection until the time of His ascension back into heaven.  In this discourse, we see Jesus Christ telling the apostle that they should remain in Jerusalem until they receive the promised gift from God, the Holy Spirit, which did happen 10 days later on the Day of Pentecost.

Here we also see Jesus instructing them, and us, that we should be His witnesses in our Jerusalem (our family and immediate community), in our Judea (our city and state), in our Samaria (our nation), and in all the world.  This passage, and Mark 16:15, I view as a continuation of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 - that we should take the Gospel to all the world.  In a sense, you and I are doing that right now - as we participate in an open forum dialogue.

Then, my Friend tells me, "So when I read verse 11 the message that I get from the Angels is, 'Why are you standing here?  Be about the task that Jesus has assigned you.' "

In that, my Friend, you give us a perfect example of "eisegesis" - the action of reading INTO Scripture what you want it to say. 

Acts 1:10-11, "And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.  (11) They also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.' "

If you and I had been there that day - just like the apostles, we would have been looking up into the sky as Jesus Christ ascended into heaven.  I am sure those apostles had mixed emotions.  They knew He is God the Son.  They had His promise that He WILL come again to rapture His church, and that He will return to earth in the same glorified, immortal body in which He ascended.  He will return in glory as the Lion of Judah. 

But, the apostles and disciples were not yet indwelled, sealed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  When that happened, ten days later, that is when the dynamic Christian church began.   Our blessed hope is that we know that He is coming again to Rapture His church from earth - and exactly seven years later - He will return to earth, His Second Coming - just as the apostles watched Him go into heaven.

That is what the two angels are telling the apostles, "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven. " 

Nothing was said, nor implied, about "the task that Jesus has assigned" - to them or to us. To insert that into this verse - is to insert what you expect or want it to say.  And, that is "eisegesis" - how false theologies are created.

Next, he writes, "Then we see in verse 12 that is exactly what they did.  Which to me, underscores that the 'meat' of verse 11 was 'get to work.'"

Acts 1:12, "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away."

In this verse and subsequent verses, I see more of a "wait upon the Lord" than the "'get to work" you suggest.  In those verses, I see the apostles joining with other believers (120 in total), men and women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus - devoting themselves to prayer and fellowship as they wait upon the Lord. 

And, in their human nature which has not yet been empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - I see the apostles doing what we all do at times - getting ahead of God.

Jesus personally appointed the twelve apostles.   During that ten days in the Upper Room, the apostles took it upon themselves to appoint a replacement for Judas.  They appointed Matthias - who quickly disappeared into the tombs of history, never to be heard of again in all the New Testament.

However, once Christ got the apostles and disciples indwelled and on the road to building His Christian fellowship through their teaching of the Word - Jesus Christ Himself appointed the new twelfth apostle: Paul.

During that ten days in the Upper Room - not '"get to work" - but, wait upon the Lord, stay in prayer and prepare yourself to receive the indwelling and sealing of the Holy Spirit, the promise of God.

My Friend tells me, "I referred to James just to underscore my believe in actions."  

Once again, as I have shown in an earlier post - when you see "salvation through works" in James - you are reading INTO Scripture what it does not say.

Next, "Just know this, the chapter of James that I (and I feel a lot of Christians) really, really need to take to heart is Chapter 3."

I am not quite sure where you were going when you insert James 3 into a discussion of "works based" salvation; so, I will leave that for another discussion.

Finally, he asks, "How about Acts 10:47-48?   Acts 19:3-5?"

If I read you right, you are suggesting these Scripture passages - as proof of "baptismal regeneration," i.e., a person does not have salvation until he/she has been baptized.

Briefly, in Acts 10:47-48 Peter has, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gone to the home of Cornelius the Roman Centurion, preached the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, and they have believed in Jesus Christ.  In verse 47 Peter is addressing the Jewish believers who accompanied him to the home of Cornelius regarding the right of Gentile believers to be be baptized.  Then, in verse 48, Peter orders Cornelius and his believing household to be baptized.   Notice that they had believed, i.e., were indwelled and sealed by the Holy Spirit, saved - then, they were baptized.

And, in Acts 19:1-5, we find Paul who, passing through Ephesus, came upon believers (Acts 19:2).  He asked if they had received the Holy Spirit - and they confirmed that John the Baptist had not told them of the Holy Spirit.  But, keep in mind that just because John the Baptist did not tell them of the Holy Spirit - that did not preclude them being indwelled and sealed by the Holy Spirit the moment they became believers in Jesus Christ, through the preaching of John.

So, Paul had these believers baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Once again, notice the timing:  (1) when Paul found them, they were already believers through the teachings of John the Baptist - and then (2) Paul had them baptized.   Salvation first - Works, i.e., baptism, to follow.  Baptism is a work of obedience, fruit of a person's salvation -- but, not the cause of that person's salvation.

Below I have taken excerpts from an article found in GotQuestions.Com.  I believe this explain the position of baptism in our salvation very well:

Question: "What is baptismal regeneration?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/baptismal-regeneration.html

Answer:  Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water baptized. . .

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation.   John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?”. . .   Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  No baptism, no confession, just faith.

There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context.  If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary.  Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula.  Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe.  What must we do to be saved?  Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.

My Friend, I pray this explanation that, "by grace, through faith, alone" - we attain salvation has given you food for thought.  Faith does not preclude us doing good works as a result of our salvation.  Actually, receiving eternal life in Christ should make us want to do works in His name.  But, that desire to do good works in His name - came because we had already become Christian believers, were already saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit, empowered to do those good works.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

"Because He Lives" ~ The Story Behind The Song - Revisited

This past week our Pastor, Sergio Nolasco, his wife, Marjorie, and their son, Philip, attended The Gaither Homecoming Concert here in Southern California.  And they had a glowing report of the pure Christian excitement of that evening.  One song which really struck a chord with them was "Because He Lives."  And, that has long been one of my favorite Gospel songs. 

In our worship service today pastor shared about the concert and especially that song.  After our worship service, a group gathered at the piano to sing this beautiful song.   And, in our service today, I shared with them a bit about the story behind "Because He Lives."  

The first time I heard the song was about 1989.  A Christian brother in our Fil-Am Church of Irvine (CA), Zenon Samson, was nearing the end of his battle with cancer.  He was already in a coma but our fellowship wanted to be there for the family.  We had a prayer and share fellowship with singing that evening in their home.  His wife, Linda, told us that his favorite song was "Because He Lives" - and one of our elders, Ruben Abesamis, a talented singer, knew the words.  Ruben led us in singing this for Zenon that evening - and I believe that Zenon went home to be with the Lord a day later. 

Let me share more on how this inspiring song came to be written.   Below is a blog I shared several years ago:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SONG "BECAUSE HE LIVES" HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITES.   But, I will bet that most folks mistakenly assume this second stanza of the song is referring to the birth of Christ.  When, in fact, it is referring to the birth of Bill and Gloria Gaither's only son, Benjamin.  As you will see in both the article excerpt below and in the video - they wrote this song as the decadent 1960s turned into the turbulent 1970s.  They had financial and health worries, the country was in a turmoil, and here they were, about to bring another child into such a world. 

But, once Benjamin came and they were able to hold him - God put the words of this stanza on their hearts.  This was the first part of the song "Because He Lives" which they wrote.  And, then the rest followed later.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

This is a video of the Gaithers being interviewed by Mark Lowry about the writing of this song and it features an early concert of the Gaither Trio which included Danny Gaither, Gloria Gaither, and Bill Gaither.  Danny, Bill's brother, was promoted to heaven in 2001:

"Because He Lives" By The Gaither Trio 1972 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJgzd__SSBY

And this article excerpt will fill in some of the blanks:

The story behind “Because He Lives” .  .  .  In the words of Bill & Gloria Gaither, the story behind the song:

We wrote “Because He Lives” after a period of time when we had had a kind of dry spell and hadn’t written any songs for a while.  .  .  Also at the end of the 1960’s when our country was going through some great turmoil with the height of the drug culture and the whole “God Is Dead”  theory which was running wild in our country, and also at the peak of the Vietnam War, our little son was born - Benjy (Benjamin).   At least Gloria was expecting him. 

And I can remember at the time we thought, “Brother, this is really a poor time to bring a child into the world.”  At times we were even quite discouraged by the whole thing.  And then Benjy did come.  We had two little girls whom we love very much, but this was our first son, and so that lyric came to us, “How sweet to hold our new-born baby and feel the pride and joy he gives, but better still the calm assurance that this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.”

And it gave us the courage to say “Because Christ lives we can face tomorrow” and keep our heads high - and hopefully that could be of meaning to other people.

It’s rather interesting now that, although we don’t consider ourselves as “old” writers, we’ve had many people tell us they have used that song at a funeral of a loved one; and it has been very encouraging to them, at a time when they were very discouraged.  So evidently a lot of people have shared the same kind of experience of being discouraged.

In the video above, Gloria shares how personal the third verse of this song became to her - when she, Bill, and Danny had to perform at a concert in Chicago the day after her dad passed into heaven.  With these words:  "And then one day, I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to vict'ry, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!" you can see how this song is truly a living testimony for Bill and Gloria Gaither:

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

In a more recent concert, Bill introduces Benjy, whose birth inspired the song 31 years earlier.

Bill & Gloria Gaither - Because He Lives - Gaither Vocal Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spa7WkwjwGw

This is an article which appeared in the Winter 1998 issue of Servant Magazine, A Ministry Of Prairie Institute:

Gloria Gaither - Because He Lives Story.pdf https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/71057162-1f95-4dc2-8493-3d9ad4085e78

I pray that this gives you a better understanding of the personal love which went into the writing of this timeless Gospel song, "Because He Lives."  And that, if it is not already one of your favorites, it will become a favorite as you listen to it being sung in a 1972 concert by the Gaither Trio, featuring Danny Gaither's beautiful tenor voice - and then again in a later Gaither Homecoming Concert.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Is Death The Final Frontier - Or Just The Beginning? ~ Revisited

In my archives today I found this 2015 dialogue with a TimesDaily Religion Forum Friend, Linda.  It started as a Private Message, but with her permission I shared it on the Religion Forum, in my Facebook Notes, and in my Friends Ministry eNewsletter.  Re-reading it today, and considering that I have been blessed with new Friends since sharing this writing two years ago - it seems timely to share it again.  If you have read it before, please be patient with me - for there may be one or two new Friends who are wrestling with a question which might be answered here.

 

One of the greatest blessings in doing a writing ministry is that most often my inspiration and subject matter come from comments and questions sent to me by Friends.  And, at times a Friend's comments/questions will really stretch my ability to answer.  While I learn something new with every response I write, some really make me work to be sure that I am not slipping in some small instance of leaven which could lead someone astray.

This response is one of those cases where I wanted to be sure that I have checked and rechecked my thoughts - oftentimes leaving it sit for a day and then going back and rereading what I have written.  And, that is why you will often see me apologizing for taking a wee bit longer to send a response.  By the time I posted this response, I had read and reread it 15 to 20 times.  And you may still find a point where you and I have a doctrinal disagreement, which is no problem for that just leads to deeper studies for both you and me.  But, hopefully you will find no typos or misspelled words.

That was the case with the e-mail from my long time Christian sister, Linda.  Her comments and questions come from her love of Jesus Christ and her desire to better understand, and be able to share, what God's Word is teaching us.  Below is the dialogue between Linda and me.  I pray that it offers you one or two "golden nuggets" which you can use when God gives you an opportunity to be His witness.
  

On Apr 3, 2015, at 4:59 PM, Bill Gray wrote:

Linda, please forgive me for taking so long.  As you requested, I am sharing this with only you.  However, I believe this may also be helpful to others.  With your permission I can remove your name in all places (or leave it, as you choose) - so that you and I can share this with many other people.  Please let me know.   Thank you and God bless,  Bill

Linda Responds:

Bill thank you so much for all the time put into this for me.  You answered so many questions for me.  Yes, you can share this with others and put this on your Facebook.  I think it could help people.  Friends in Christ, Linda

First, I apologize for taking so long to respond to your e-mail.  I pray that what I am sending you is a better answer because of the delay, than just shooting from the hip.  Your e-mail reminds me of an excerpt from the Charles Swindoll Bible Study Guide "The Church: Purpose, Profile, Priorities."  The first chapter begins:  "Socrates was wise, it is said, not because he knew the right answers, but because he knew how to ask the right questions."

You do me an honor with your questions.  So, let me begin by breaking your thoughts, comments, and questions down into bite-size and attempt to respond to each separately :

On 3/22/2015, 3:59 AM, you wrote regarding my Facebook Note "What Happens After We Die? - Does 'ANYONE' On The Timesdaily Forums Know?":

Bill, this is Linda.  In today's forum I didn't understand a thing you said.  I'm sorry.  I've got (to) where I can't grasp things when they are over my head.  I want to know so I can answer friends right on a certain subject.  Please let this letter be between you and me for a while.

Linda, there will always be things we do not fully understand for now.

1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face (with Jesus Christ).  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."

When we get to heaven, we will have the greatest teacher that has ever been - for He created everything.  Will we go from fuzzy thinking to knowing everything?   No, that cannot be true; for if we could know everything we will be like God - and that was Lucifer/Satan's problem.  He wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-14). 

And, in a greater sense, not having unlimited knowledge is a blessing.  It means that throughout eternity, we will always be learning.  Imagine that.  No boredom there!  Every day we will learn more - like being in the "Eternal Institute of Higher Learning" and having the greatest of all teachers.  I can hardly wait to begin working toward that degree!

You wrote:

I have a personal relationship with my Lord.  When I die I believe that my soul goes to heaven, but on the day of rapture, if I'm dead I will be resurrected from my grave into heaven and have a new body.  (If I am still alive at the Rapture, then) In the twinkle of an eye after the people (who) are dead are caught up, then I will be caught up.  I believe we will know each other, but will not love one more than another. 

I am glad you bring up the Rapture.  There are believers who deny that the Rapture will happen, but I will not go into that discussion at this time.  Let me just say that John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, and 1 Thessalonians 13-18 definitely speak of Jesus Christ coming for His church, His body of believers.

And, I do believe in a PreTribulation Rapture, i.e., that Christ will come to take (catch up, harpazō, rapiemur, rapture) all believers from the earth before the beginning of the seven year Tribulation (Revelation 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

As believers, we may be dead or alive when the Rapture occurs.   Either way, this presents no problem for believers.   When we die in this mortal body - this lifeless body, this shell, goes into the grave.  It truly does die in the sense that there is no longer any life in that decaying body.    But, our soul/spirit, which lives eternally, goes directly into the presence of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:22-23).

There are differing thoughts on the soul and spirit.  We know the body is merely the physical part of us which allows us to interact with the world around us.  And, when we die, that body goes into the grave as an empty shell.  But, what is the soul and spirit?  I look at our soul as being our human personality, that which makes us distinct and different from other people.  Just as everyone has different fingerprints, I believe we each have different, but often similar, personalities.  To me that is the soul. 

And, I view the spirit as being our connection with God.  God is Spirit (John 4:24) and the believing man/woman communes with Him, worships Him, in spirit.   Because God is Spirit, we commune with Him in spirit.  And because Jesus Christ resurrected and ascended in His immortal body, we will commune with Him in our immortal bodies after we are raptured.

Just as God is a Triune God and the three Persons of the Godhead, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, cannot be separated - we believers are also triune beings: body, soul, spirit.  Eternally, our triune being will not be separated.  Our mortal body will be replaced by an immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:50-53), eternally existing with our soul/spirit.  In that sense, we are made in His image (Genesis 1:26).

Man was created to have a very personal, direct line of communication with God.  We know from Genesis 3:8 that God would walk in the garden with Adam and Eve.  That is very personal.  Yet, when Adam disobeyed God, that personal connection was broken - the spiritual connection between God and man was broken.  Immediately, man became "spiritually dead" bringing about our proclivity toward sin - and man began the process of physical death.  Bodily deterioration, diseases, and illnesses are part of the dying process of the mortal body which was caused by Adam's fall.

Let me give you several excerpts to ponder.  There are also links where you may read each article in more detail:

Genesis 1:26-27 indicates that there is something that makes humanity distinct from all the other creations.  Human beings were intended to have a relationship with God, and as such, God created us with both material and immaterial parts.  The material is obviously that which is tangible: the physical body, bones, organs, etc., and exists as long as the person is alive.  The immaterial aspects are those which are intangible: soul, spirit, intellect, will, conscience, etc.  These exist beyond the physical lifespan of the individual.  (www.gotquestions.org/body-soul-spirit.html)

The soul and the spirit are connected, but separable (Hebrews 4:12).  The soul is the essence of humanity’s being; it is who we are.  The spirit is the aspect of humanity that connects with God.  (www.gotquestions.org/soul-spirit.html

The Bible is not perfectly clear as to the nature of the human soul.  But from studying the way the word soul is used in Scripture, we can come to some conclusions.  Simply stated, the human soul is the part of a person that is not physical.  It is the part of every human being that lasts eternally after the body experiences death.  Genesis 35:18 describes the death of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, saying she named her son (Benjamin) “as her soul was departing.”  From this we know that the soul is different from the body and that it continues to live after physical death. (www.gotquestions.org/human-soul.html)

The human spirit was damaged in the fall.  When Adam sinned, his ability to fellowship with God was broken; he did not die physically that day, but he died spiritually.  Ever since, the human spirit has borne the effects of the fall.  Before salvation, a person is characterized as spiritually “dead” (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13).  A relationship with Christ revitalizes our spirit and renews us day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).    (www.gotquestions.org/human-spirit.html)

In your comment above, you say:

When I die I believe that my soul goes to heaven, but on the day of rapture, if I'm dead, I will be resurrected from my grave into heaven and have a new body.

That is true.  This fallen mortal body goes into the grave to decay back into dust (Genesis 3:19,  Job 34:15,  Ecclesiastes 3:20).  And, our soul/spirit goes immediately into the presence of God.  For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23).

1 Corinthians 15:51-52, "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead (believers in Christ) will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

These two Scripture passages tell us that, at the Rapture when Christ comes to call home His church, his worldwide body of believers - those who have died before He comes for us will be raised first, as they should be.  Then, in the twinkling of an eye (virtually an immeasurable time) after they rise, we believers who are still alive will be "snatched out, raptured" to join them and Jesus Christ in the air. 

At that moment, we will all have our new glorified, immortal, incorruptible bodies, i.e., we will be like Him (1 John 3:2) in that we will have immortal bodies like His.  We will not be divine deity, but we will be in our immortal bodies which are like the immortal human body He retained as He ascended into heaven.

Then, just as He led the Old Testament saints into heaven (Ephesians 4:8), He will lead we who have been raptured into heaven to be in the presence of God forever.

Next, in your comment above you say:

I believe we will know each other, but will not love one more than another. 

True, we will love all the saints in heaven - for God is love, and all who will be in His presence eternally will know only love.  But, since we still have our soul, through which we have special relationships with loved ones on earth - I believe we will still have these special relationships eternally.   The Bible does not tell us that we will lose those precious memories.

We will not be man and wife.  But, the ones for whom we have a special love on earth - will still be very special to us.   Yet without any jealousies.   On earth, I have had two special loves - my first wife, Betty, with whom I had a close relationship until her death in 2001, even long after we were no longer man and wife.  And, my wife, Dory, who has been my special love for thirty-seven years (now thirty-nine years) and counting, will always be my special love into eternity.  Will Dory be jealous of Betty?  No.  She was not jealous of her in our earthly lives; how could she be jealous in our "God is love" immortal lives?  They will be sisters in Christ.

In heaven, my mother will always be my beloved mom.  And, I believe that all my loved ones will continue to hold a special place in my heart.  My immortal heart/soul will be big enough to encompass all of God's people in love - and to still have a special place for those who were so special to me on earth.

Next, you wrote:

The one thing I don't know - if I were to die today, do I go to that heaven where the streets are gold and, etc., - or (do I) go to another place until the Lord comes back and He builds the new Jerusalem and the new heaven?  I'm very mixed up about that.  Not that it matters, because I'm going to see my Lord.  Just wanted to know your opinion.

Are there, or will there be, streets of gold in heaven?  The abode of God will always be perfect, whether He is residing in the "third heaven" or in the New Jerusalem.   The goldsmith puts newly mined gold into the smelter to remove impurities.  If all impurities could be removed, the gold would be transparent.  You will notice that gold is rated:  the highest man-given rating for pure gold is 24 karat.  But, is there anything in this fallen world which is pure?  No, in this worldly existence, there will always be impurities.  But, in God's presence all impurities will be removed and just as pure gold would be transparent, so will our eternal existence in the presence of God be - without impurities, transparent and glorified.

Heaven’s streets of gold are often referenced in song and poetry, but harder to find in the Bible.  In fact, there is only one passage of Scripture that references streets of gold and that is in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem: “The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).  So does this verse tell us that there will literally be streets of gold in heaven?  And, if so, what is the importance or significance of literal streets of gold?

The Greek word translated “gold” is chrusion, which can mean “gold, gold jewelry, or overlay.”   So to translate it “gold” makes complete and perfect sense.  In fact, struggles of interpretation often come up when people attempt to determine which parts of the Bible to take literally and which parts to take figuratively.  A good rule of thumb when studying the Bible is to take everything literally, unless it doesn't make sense to do so.   (www.gotquestions.org/streets-of-gold.html)

Now that we have discussed the Rapture, let's transition to the seven year Tribulation and the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom of Christ on earth.

Before the Tribulation (PreTribulation), when we die or are raptured from this mortal body - we will go directly into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23).   Until His Second Coming, after the Tribulation, He is in heaven, the abode of God - and we, Old Testament saints, New Testament saints, i.e., the church, and the martyred Tribulation saints, will be in His heavenly presence. 

In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 Paul tells us that he was caught up into "the third heaven" - into Paradise.  How many heavens are there?   We can view our atmosphere as the first heaven, that which surrounds our world.  The second heaven would be space, unfathomably huge, but still having limits set by God.  And, the third heaven as defined by Paul is Paradise, the throne room of God.

If you recall, Old Testament saints resided in Hades/Paradise (Luke 16:19-31) until Christ died and was resurrected, leading them into heaven.  Why?  Because "no one" - Old Testament or New Testament - can enter the kingdom of God except through, or with, Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  He had not yet come as the Incarnate God, the Messiah, to be our Sacrificial Lamb offering.  So the Old Testament saints had to wait in Hades/Paradise for Him to come and lead them into heaven. 

During the three days between His crucifixion/burial - and when He resurrected, I believe He spent that time celebrating and sharing the eternal Word of God with the saints waiting in the Bosom of Abraham, Hades/Paradise.  And, then He led them into heaven (Ephesians 4:8) relocating Hades/Paradise to its new location, Heaven/Paradise.

The age in which one lives has no bearing on the immortality of their soul.  As was stated previously, the main difference between the death of the saints before the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord was that they were not granted immediate access to Heaven as we believers are now.  Instead, they were gathered to a place of comfort and rest called Paradise which was located in Abraham’s Bosom in the heart of the Earth.

There they would abide until the atonement of their souls and the payment for their sins had been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross (Hebrews 10).  After His resurrection they were loosed from this “holding area” (Ephesians 4:8-10) and were then able to enter into Heaven where they live to this day waiting for the resurrection of their glorified bodies.  (www.learnthebible.org/where-are-the-old-testament-saints-today.html)

However, Hades/Torment (Luke 16:23) is still open for business and doing a landslide business.  That is the place where, at their mortal death, all non-believers will go to wait, in full awareness, to be resurrected for their judgment.  After the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom they will be resurrected into their immortal bodies to stand before Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) which is their final judgment of punishment before they go into an eternal existence void of God and His love, which can only be called hell.

Since His death, resurrection, and ascension - all believers who die go directly into His presence in heaven.

Was the Hades/Paradise of Luke 16:19-31 anything like the Roman Catholic purgatory?  No, for the Roman Catholic concept of purgatory involves additional suffering, i.e., additional payment for sins committed in their mortal bodies.

Yet, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, He declared, "It is finished!" (John 19:30).  That meant His full work of propitiation, atonement for the sins of all mankind, was finished.  He had finished the work given Him by the Father.   Now it is up to each individual person to either accept that free gift of eternal life which He purchased with His precious blood - or to reject that gift.

It is finished!  Jesus' final word (tetelestai in the ancient Greek) is the cry of a winner.  Jesus had finished His eternal purpose of the cross.  It stands today as a finished work, the foundation of all Christian peace and faith, paying in full the debt we righteously owe to God. (Pastor David Guzik, Study Guide for John 19)

His crucifixion was "payment in full" for all sin - past, present, future - of all people  (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 10:10).  That was a "paid in full" pardon from our sin prison.  All we have to do to receive that full pardon - is to accept His free gift of eternal life.   When we, by grace through faith, receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior - we have eternal, never ending, life in Christ.

At His resurrection Christ closed down Hades/Paradise and moved it into heaven.  It is now Heaven/Paradise or heavenly Paradise.

Because of that, until His Second Coming after the Tribulation, all believers who die, are raptured, or martyred - will go immediately into heaven, Paradise.  Shortly after the Rapture, Israel will sign a seven year peace accord with the Antichrist - which begins the clock running for the seven year Tribulation on earth  (Daniel 9:27).

During that seven years of Tribulation the church will be in heaven where we will stand before Christ at the Believers' Judgment (Bema Seat Judgment), a judgment of rewards, or lack of rewards, depending upon what we do in this mortal life.  In other words, today are we living for Christ - or are we just "couch potato" Christians, saved but doing nothing to bring others into the family of Christ?  That witnessing in His name is the "works" which should follow salvation for all believers.

Yet, the Believers' Judgment has another very important function.  In this mortal life, when we become believers we still have the curse of our sin nature upon us.  God cannot look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13).  We cannot work our way into heaven, for when He looks upon us any works, any good deeds, we might do to earn salvation - are as filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6).   On our own, with all the works or good deeds we may attempt in an effort to work our way into heaven - God looks at us and sees only a cesspool.  So, how do we get around that problem? 

Simple.  By the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ we are saved, sealed in Christ, and indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 2:8-9).   The moment that happens, we have the righteousness of Jesus Christ attributed (imputed) to our account (Romans 3:21–22) - so when God looks at us, He does not see our meager, frail works.  He sees only the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Yet, as the Bride of Christ, we cannot participate in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb in our filthy garments, nor can we participate wearing borrowed gowns of righteousness.  We must be able to approach the throne of God in our own clean, white robes of righteousness, our own gown of fine linen, clean, and bright.  The purpose of the Bema Seat Judgment in heaven during the seven year Tribulation is two-fold: (1) to reward believers - and - (2) to robe us in our own fine linen, pure white wedding gowns drawn from the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

What are the rewards for believers?   First, at the Rapture, ".  .  we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, .  .  ."  in our immortal bodies (1 John 3:2).  

Then, there are other rewards for believers:

(1) The Imperishable Crown - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25,

(2) The Crown of Rejoicing - 1 Thessalonians 2:19

(3) The Crown of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8,

(4) The Crown of Glory - 1 Peter 5:4

(5) The Crown of Life - Revelation 2:10, James 1:12,

At the Believers' Judgment, we, the promised Bride of Christ, will receive our own robes of righteousness - created from the righteous acts of the saints - righteous acts of works done AFTER we have become believers and followers of Jesus Christ:

Revelation 19:8, "And to her (the church, the body of New Testament believers, the Bride of Christ) it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints."

The two key events for raptured believers in heaven will be:  The Believers' Judgment where we will receive our own personal robes of righteousness, and the Wedding Feast of the Lamb when He takes us, His church, to be His Bride (Revelation 19:6-9).

Then at the end of the seven year Tribulation, He returns again to earth, His Second Coming in Glory.  At His first coming, He came as the meek sacrificial Lamb of God.   At His Second Coming in Glory, He comes as the conquering Lion of Judah (Revelation 19:11-21).  This will happen at the end of the seven year Tribulation when He returns to earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom in Jerusalem, sitting upon the throne of David in Jerusalem.

Then, Linda, you ask:

Also do you think we will come back with the Lord during the Millennium and help the Lord win souls for Christ.  I don't quite understand.  He will build a new world and a new heaven.  Where are we going to be?

First, let me clarify one point.  All who enter into His Millennial Kingdom will be believers.  No unbelievers will enter His Millennial Kingdom.  So, at that point in time, there will be no need to win souls for Christ - for everyone in the Millennial Kingdom will be believers.  Mortal believers who survived the Tribulation will enter the Millennium Kingdom in their earthly bodies.  And we who were raptured, along with the Old Testament and Tribulation saints, will be there in our glorified immortals bodies. 

Those believers who survive the Tribulation will enter the Millennial Kingdom in their mortal bodies, still retaining their sin nature, yet without the temptations to sin caused by Satan, for he will be locked in the abyss for the 1000 years of Christ's Millennial Reign.

We who return with Christ (Old Testament saints, Tribulation saints, and raptured New Testament church) will be in our glorified immortal bodies.  Yet, in the Millennial Kingdom we will be in active fellowship with those who survived the Tribulation and are still in their mortal bodies.  Those still in their mortal bodies will be marrying and raising families just as we do today. 

Now, here is the kicker.  All who are born during the Millennial Kingdom, because they are born in mortal bodies, will also be born with the innate sin nature inherited from Adam.  So, they will need to personally receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, just as we do today.  Those people will need to receive Christ - and although there will be no temptation from Satan's crew - we will still have to witness to them, i.e., encourage them to take the final step toward eternal life in Christ.

During the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom, even though the temptation of Satan and his demonic angels will not be present, there will be many born during that 1000 years who will not, out of neglect or just indifference, choose to personally receive Christ.  At the end of the Millennium those who have not made a personal commitment to Christ will comprise a large number, billions.  And, that is where Satan will get his army which he will lead against Jesus Christ and the holy city of Jerusalem in the final battle of history (Revelation 20:7-10).

In Revelation 20:1-3, we are told that Satan is locked in the abyss for 1000 years - and, then it tells us, "after these things (the 1000 years) he must be released for a short time."  Why?  Why must Satan be released one final time?  So that all those born during the Millennium will have one final chance, using their God-given gift of "free will" - to follow Christ or to follow the world, Satan.  For those who choose to follow Satan we are told:

Revelation 20:7-10, "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.  They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city.  And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.  The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.  And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

So, who will return with Christ at His Second Coming in Glory?

Revelation 19:14, "And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."

Accompanying Him will be His Bride, in our fine linen, white and clean, wedding gown - now our victory gown.  The Bride of Christ, the Old Testament saints, the Tribulation martyrs, and His angels will make up His returning army.

At the end of the seven year Tribulation, Christ will return to establish His 1000 year Millennial Kingdom on earth.  He will sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem and will be the world leader, the perfect theocracy (Luke 1:32–33).  At His Second Coming, all believers in heaven (the church, Old Testament saints, and Tribulation martyrs) return with Him in our immortal bodies.

At the second coming, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations (Matthew 24:31), converted (Zechariah 12:10–14), and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  The Bible speaks of the conditions during the millennium as a perfect environment physically and spiritually.  It will be a time of peace (Micah 4:2–4; Isaiah 32:17–18), joy (Isaiah 61:7, 10), and comfort (Isaiah 40:1–2). 

The Bible also tells us that only believers will enter the millennial kingdom.  Because of this, it will be a time of obedience (Jeremiah 31:33), holiness (Isaiah 35:8), truth (Isaiah 65:16), and the knowledge of God (Isaiah 11:9, Habakkuk 2:14).  Christ will rule as king (Isaiah 9:3–7; 11:1–10).  Nobles and governors will also rule (Isaiah 32:1; Matthew 19:28), and Jerusalem will be the political center of the world (Zechariah 8:3).   (www.gotquestions.org/millennium.html)

During the seven year Tribulation, Christ will anoint 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes.  These will be like having 144,000 super evangelists sharing the Word of God around the world.   Why Jewish evangelists?  Because the seven year Tribulation, the time of Jacob's Troubles (Jeremiah 30:7), is primarily the time set aside by God for the saving of His remnant of Israel, His people.

Although the Tribulation is primarily for the Jews, during the Tribulation, many people, Jews and Gentiles, will be saved - a multitude so great that it will be hard to count:

Revelation 7:9-10, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' "        

Who will populate the Millennial Kingdom?  We who return with Christ at His Second Coming will be there in our glorified immortal bodies.  And, at the end of the terrible Tribulation when Christ returns, although billions will have died during the Tribulation - there will be many survivors, believers and non-believers.  What is Christ to do with these mortal survivors of the Tribulation?  He will convene the Sheep and Goat Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) and mortal non-believers who have survived the Tribulation will go into eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46).  However, the believers who have survived the Tribulation will go into His Millennial Kingdom in their earthly mortal bodies (Matthew 25:34).

What will life be like in the Millennial Kingdom?  Will there be death in the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom?

David Guzik:  Study Guide for Isaiah 65
www.studylight.org/commentaries/guz/view.cgi?bk=22&ch=65

2. (20-25) The blessed state of the millennial earth.

Isaiah 65:20-25, "No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.  They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.  They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 

They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the LORD, And their offspring with them.   'It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.   The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,' Says the LORD."

a. No more shall an infant from there live but a few days … for the child shall die one hundred years old: Quickly - as is the prophetic habit - Isaiah shifts gears (from Isaiah 65:17-19), and now speaks not of the eternal state, but of the millennial earth.  There will be death in the millennial earth, but in the transformed biology and ecology of the world under the reign of Jesus Christ, people will live incredibly longer, as they did in the days before the flood.

i. In the millennial earth, people will live so long that if someone dies being (only) one hundred years old, people will consider that one accursed.

And, then the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem (Isaiah 65:17-19, Revelation 21, 22:1-5).

Linda, in your previous comment you mention the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem.  Now, in this comment you continue that thought: 

Will (we) be going back and forth - and will there will be animals in heaven.  I love animals, but I am not going to die (be upset) if they aren't there, like some people would.  I just want to be with the Lord, and (with) the church praising my Lord.  I know (this is) a lot of questions for you.  Please answer them very plain to me if you will.  Friends in Christ, Linda

Above I have written quite a lot about the Millennial Kingdom of Christ.   Now we shift gears and look ahead, after Satan and his demonic army have been dispatched, after all non-believers since the Creation have been resurrected from Hades/Torment and have been given their eternal immortal bodies to stand before Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment.   They will go into eternal existence void of the presence of God, which is hell.

But, we believers - from Adam and Eve until the last person saved - will experience God creating His New Heaven, New Earth, and He will bring the New Jerusalem down from heaven.  Will God destroy this earth and create a new one?  Or will He refurbish this old one, making it better than the original Garden of Eden?  Personally, I cannot say for sure either way.   The Bible does not say specifically, so we cannot be dogmatic on this point.

But the following commentary excerpts from Pastor David Guzik seem to make sense.  This commentary has a lot of good content, food for thought, on this closing phase of mortal earth time and the beginning of our glorious eternity in the presence of God.  You will find it interesting to visit this Commentary link and read more:

Pastor David Guzik, Study Guide for Revelation 21
www.studylight.org/commentaries/guz/view.cgi?bk=65&ch=21

b. A new heaven and a new earth: The idea of a new earth, with a new atmosphere and sky is a familiar theme in the Scriptures. Many of the prophets, both Old and New Testaments, spoke to this new heaven and new earth.

c. New heaven … new earth: The ancient Greek word translated new here (kaine) means "new in character, 'fresh'."  It doesn't mean "recent" or "new in time."  This isn't just the next heaven and the next earth; this is the better heaven and better earth replacing the old (the first earth had passed away).

i. Though some disagree, such as Seiss, who argues passionately that this earth will never be destroyed - we should also understand that this is truly a new heaven and a new earth, not merely a "remade" heaven and earth. We know this because Jesus said that heaven and earth shall pass away, but His word would live forever (Luke 21:33).  Also, in Isaiah 65:17 God says prophetically that He will create a new heaven and a new earth, and the ancient Hebrew word for "create" (bara) means to "create out of nothing" - instead of re-fashioning existing material.

a. The holy city, New Jerusalem: This is the Jerusalem of hope (Hebrews 12:22), the Jerusalem above (Galatians 4:26), the place of our real citizenship (Philippians 3:20).

i. The terms holy and new distinguish the city.  Because it is holy and new, it is different from any earthly city.  The name Jerusalem gives it continuity with earth, especially with the place of our redemption.

ii. It is significant that this glorious dwelling place of God and His people is described as the holy city.  Cities are places where there are many people, and people interact with each other.  This isn't isolation, but a perfect community of the people of God.

Linda, my Friend, I realize that this is rather long.  However, I would rather give more than you ask - and let us sift through, panning for gold, seeking any "golden nuggets" that may help us, you and me, in our understanding of God's Word.  Too much is far better than too little. 

With too much, we can skip over or discard that not needed in our present study.  With too little, that one answer, that small needle in the haystack of eternity we need may not be there.  So, my Friend, I pray that I have encouraged you, and all our Friends, to pan for eternal "golden nuggets" which will help us share the Word of God with others.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill